Parents Get $2.25M After Doctor Posted Autopsy of Their Decapitated Newborn Online
The Clayton County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr.—the baby decapitated during birth at Southern Regional Medical Center in July 2023—a homicide, following an extensive investigation. The cause of death was determined to be a "fracture dislocation with complete transection (to the) upper cervical spine and spinal cord," with contributing factors including shoulder dystocia, labor arrest, and fetal entrapment in the birth canal. The examiner also noted the roles of pregnancy-induced diabetes and premature rupture of membranes in exacerbating the situation. Importantly, the report concluded the infant’s death resulted from the "actions of another person".
In June 2025, a Fulton County jury awarded Ross and Taylor $2.25 million in damages after a separate incident in which Dr. Jackson Gates, a pathologist hired to perform an autopsy, posted graphic videos of their baby's autopsy on social media without the parents’ consent. The jury found Dr. Gates and his business liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and fraud.
What Happened During Delivery
On July 9, 2023, Jessica Ross, 20, went into labor with her first child. According to the family's lawsuit, the baby became stuck during delivery due to shoulder dystocia, a complication where the baby's shoulder is lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone. The attending physician, Dr. Tracey St. Julian of Premier Women’s OBGYN LLC, attempted various vaginal delivery methods, including applying traction to the baby's head. The suit alleges Dr. St. Julian "grossly and negligently applied excessive traction" and failed to perform a timely Cesarean section, resulting in the baby's decapitation and death.
The baby’s body and legs were ultimately removed during an emergency C-section, while the head was delivered vaginally. The parents, Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr., were not informed of the decapitation until several days after the delivery, learning the truth only from a funeral home.
Alleged Cover-Up and Hospital Response
The lawsuit claims that hospital staff attempted to conceal the manner of death. When the parents asked to see and hold their baby, they were only allowed to view him through a glass window. The infant was tightly wrapped in a blanket with his head "propped on top of his body" to obscure the decapitation. Hospital staff discouraged the family from seeking an autopsy and suggested cremation instead.
On July 9th, 20-year-old Jessica Ross was undergoing childbirth when a complication known as shoulder dystocia occurred. This is a medical emergency where the baby's shoulder gets stuck in the mother's birth canal during childbirth. The baby was an otherwise healthy, full-term boy and was to be named after the father, Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr.
The lawsuit states that despite the severity of the situation, Dr. Tracey St. Julian of Premier Women’s OBGYN LLC “attempted to deliver the baby vaginally using different methods, including applying traction to the baby’s head.” It goes on to say that the doctor “failed to do a Cesarean section in a timely and proper manner, resulting in Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr.’s decapitation and death.”
According to the suit, the doctor allegedly “applied excessive traction” on the baby's head, causing it to detach. When it was too late, the mother was finally taken to receive a C-section to remove the baby's body.
According to Dr. Roderick Edmond, who is representing the couple, stated, “When the womb was open, the feet came out, the body came out, and there was no head.” Dr. Edmond also stated that “My clients asked for a C-section much sooner than it was ever delivered while the baby was viable.”
Instead of telling the family what had occurred, the nurses wrapped up the baby, propped the head on the blanket, and wouldn’t allow them to hold their baby. The family's ordeal was further compounded when they were only allowed a restricted viewing of their deceased child, whose presentation intentionally concealed the decapitation.
When the parents demanded to see their baby, the hospital staff “told them that they were not allowed to touch or hold their child.” The statement made by the family claims that the “Hospital staff allowed the young couple to only view their dead child.” The way the baby was presented to the family was made so that “those viewing him could not identify that he had been decapitated.”
The mother and father were not made aware of their baby’s decapitation until four days after the incident. The family claims that they were originally advised that an autopsy “was not warranted” and were told the remains should be cremated.
Southern Regional Medical Center stated, "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those impacted by this tragic event. Our prayers also remain with the dedicated team of physicians, nurses and staff at Southern Regional Medical Center who cared for this patient. As our deepest sympathies remain with the family, Southern Regional Medical Center denies the allegations of wrongdoing in the complaint referencing the hospital. Due to patient privacy laws and HIPAA, we are unable to discuss the care and treatment of specific patients, but we can state this unfortunate infant death occurred in utero prior to the delivery and decapitation. The hospital voluntarily reported the death to the Clayton County Medical Examiner’s office and is cooperating with all investigations. Since this matter is in litigation, we cannot provide additional statements. Dr. St Julian is not and never has been an employee of the hospital. Our commitment is to provide compassionate, quality care to every single patient, and this loss is heartbreaking for all involved".
Legal Action and Recent Developments
Ross and Taylor filed suit against Southern Regional Medical Center, Dr. St. Julian, and Premier Women’s OBGYN LLC, alleging excessive force, failure to perform a timely C-section, and a subsequent cover-up. The lawsuit also names nurses involved in the delivery, accusing them of failing to advocate for the patient and to document care accurately. The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, including $10,000 for funeral expenses.
Ongoing Investigation
The Clayton County Police Department has an active investigation into the incident, and the case remains in litigation. The community continues to mourn the loss of Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr., as questions linger about the circumstances and accountability surrounding his death.
Nurse.org has reached out to Southern Regional Medical Center and has not received a response at time of publication.
🤔 What do you think this? Let us know in the discussion forum below.
If you have a nursing news story that deserves to be heard, we want to amplify it to our massive community of millions of nurses! Get your story in front of Nurse.org Editors now - click here to fill out our quick submission form today!
